HC Deb 21 March 1983 vol 39 c533
14. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister for Trade, following his letter to the General Council of British Shipping and the National Union of Seamen inviting them to put their views on the lessons to be learnt from the involvement of merchant ships and Merchant Navy personnel in the task Force, what consideration he is giving to their detailed suggestions.

Mr. Sproat

I have held meetings with and written to the General Council of British Shipping, the National Union of Seamen and the other maritime unions. I am still considering some of their detailed suggestions.

Mr. Dalyell

Following the Minister's answer on Friday at c. 291 of Hansard, has he seen the representatives of the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers Association, who say that they are alarmed to read the comments by the military that they were expecting far higher casualty rates and loss of ships than occurred during the south Atlantic conflict? That could only mean that the Government were prepared to sacrifice merchant ships and seafarers in the exercise. It was a unilateral decision and there were no discussions between the professional associations—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member must ask a question.

Mr. Dalyell

Why were there no discussions between the National Union of Seamen, the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers Association and others involved before these decisions were taken?

Mr. Sproat

The general thrust of the hon. Gentleman's question is offensive rubbish. What was said by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and Ministers in the Ministry of Defence is a matter for them.